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Computer Science with a Liberal Arts Edge
Help Shape the Future
At William & Mary, we pair a top-notch technical education with a unique interdisciplinary approach.
Computer scientists are reshaping how we live. Help change things for the better — and build a rewarding career in nearly any field — with a computer science degree from William & Mary.
Today, computers underpin every part of our society, from medicine to government — and a background in computer science is a qualification that transcends industries. But to be an innovative leader in the technological revolution, you’ll need more than just technical skills. As a computer science student at William & Mary, you’ll build a strong foundation in computing technology and the critical thinking and communication abilities you need to quickly climb the corporate ladder or shape policy.
Our rigorous but flexible curriculum allows you to customize your degree to fit your goals. With top-tier faculty, small classes and an inclusive, welcoming student body, you’ll have the support you need to thrive. That’s why our students graduate prepared for anything, from working in Big Tech and launching startups to launching NASA rockets.
Show Me the Numbers
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33 %of our computer science students are female
That’s nearly 50% higher than the national average.
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45 %of our computer science students are people of color
We’re working hard to diversify the field of computer science.
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# 16ranked by the WSJ for earnings in tech
Alumni earn top salaries.
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Top 10public university for internships
According to the Princeton Review.
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45largest class size
You won’t find massive lectures at William & Mary.
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$ 99,638average starting salary
For 2018-2022 W&M computer science majors.
Major or Minor in Computer Science
Major or Minor in Computer Science
Interested in computer science? Our introductory courses are open to all students; no technical background required. Plus, if you want to dive deeper, you have several options to choose from.
The computer science B.S. offers a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum for students pursuing technical roles, with specializations available in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and machine learning. You’ll gain expertise in programming, data structures, algorithms, computer organization and software engineering while diving into areas like artificial intelligence, computer graphics, systems, networking, databases and cybersecurity through a wide range of elective courses.
The computer science B.A. gives students a broader overview of computer science and its applications in diverse fields. Alongside core computer science courses and electives, you can choose from a wide array of courses from other departments, like data science, geology or linguistics, to personalize your degree to your interests and goals.
The computer science minor is open to students from any major. Our faculty are eager to help you apply what you learn to your area of specialization, whether that’s English literature or biology.
Not sure you can commit to just one field? At William & Mary, there’s no need to. We welcome double majors. Majors frequently paired with computer science include math, data science and finance — but we’ve seen every possible combination, from computer science and art to computer science and Japanese.
Alumni Outcomes
Employers consistently report the exceptional quality and well-rounded training of W&M computer science graduates. A few of the places where recent graduates have landed their first jobs include Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Oracle, Samsung, J.P. Morgan, MasterCard, Capital One, Central Security Service, Department of Health & Human Services, Raytheon Intelligence & Space, Naval Acquisition Development Program, Northrop Grumman and Texas Instruments.
Recent graduates have attended schools including Carnegie Mellon, Columbia, Cornell, Duke, University of California, Berkeley, University of Pennsylvania, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of Wisconsin and Yale.
Amazon
Microsoft
J.P. Morgan
Mastercard
Capital One
Heather Acuna
Computer science can be used anywhere. Whether I want to go into a big tech company or help my friend build a website for their business, CS opens a lot of doors into many realms. Plus, at W&M, there’s little competition, instead, everyone is so supportive in making sure we all succeed.
Our Curriculum
William & Mary offers 65+ computer science courses. Examples of course themes and their applications include:
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Build new AI and machine learning models and apply AI to help humans make better decisions, manage resource-intensive tasks and address pressing global issues.
Cybersecurity
Protect computer systems from outside attackers — and protect users’ privacy — by using the principles of systems security, microarchitecture security and software security while addressing the human factors of security.
Human-Centered Computing
Use tools including artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer vision and advanced wearables to take on challenges ranging from game design to disaster response.
Gain Hands-On Experience and Contribute to Research
Put the theory you learn in the classroom to the test with regular hackathons, contests and conferences, and contribute to research that matters. Our world-class computer science faculty are working on problems that will affect all of us, like creating better human-computer interfaces for driverless cars and addressing digital privacy and security concerns. They receive support from organizations including the U.S. National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, DARPA, Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Commonwealth Cyber Initiative, NASA, the Gates Foundation and Big Tech.
World-Class Facilities
Study in our brand-new, state-of-the-art Integrated Science Center building, which houses the departments of applied science, computer science and data science. With dedicated maker spaces, a student-centered design that maximizes collaboration and all of the latest computing equipment, you’ll be equipped to take on projects of any size or scale.
Clubs & Organizations
Build new skills, grow as a leader and make like-minded friends in clubs related to computer science. Options include:
- Society of Women in Computing
- Student Chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery
- Cybersecurity Club
- Google Developers Club
- W&M Hackathon Club (&Hacks)
- W&M Robotics Club
Looking for something different? It’s easy to start your own club!